Every computer and television have one or two built-in speakers, but as you can surely tell by now, these rarely do justice to your audio.
Sure, they’re adequate for hearing alarms, beeps, and other such sounds, but that’s about it in terms of sound reproduction. Music, movies, and games, on the other hand, are completely another storey, and you won’t be able to get the expected immersive experience without at least a 2.1 speakers system.
Definitely, it won’t provide you surround sound, but it’s still better than a conventional 2.0 system – and it sure beats those generic speakers that came with your TV or computer.
Top 6 Best 2.1 Speakers of 2021
According to the criteria given above, I scoured the market for you and selected six of the best 2.1 speakers with subwoofers. And now, having examined their design and put their sound delivery to the test, I’m ready to share my findings and candid comments with you.
So, let’s get started!
1. LOGITECH Z623 200-WATT 2.1 SPEAKER SYSTEM – BEST OVERALL
The Logitech computer speaker is far more than your typical two satellites, one subwoofer setup:
This system, which is well-designed and tremendously loud, is far more powerful than any other speaker on this list. It doesn’t get much better than this if you want a system that will take gaming and movie viewing to a whole new level with plenty of power and thunderous bass.
It’s also THX-certified, which means you’re in for a treat.
But that’s only a taster; read on to see what else it has to offer in my comprehensive review!
The Design
The Logitech Z623, which has two satellite speakers and a subwoofer, follows the typical 2.1 system format. But, unlike the conventional speakers that PC users are used to – which include complicated design components, rough edges, and the like – these don’t. They have a rather conventional appearance.
The satellite speakers are 7.7×4.6×5 inches in size and use 2.5-inch full-range magnetically insulated drivers disguised behind metal grilles. The subwoofer, which measures 11.2x12x10.5 inches and has an 8-inch woofer driver, is substantially larger than imagined.
There are three distinct inputs on both the satellite and the subwoofer – 3.5-millimeter inputs on each, as well as one RCA on the latter. This eliminates the need to disconnect anything when switching between devices.
There’s also a headphone jack, a power button, a separate volume control, and a bass level dial on the satellite.
The Performance
The system offers a total power output of 200 watts, including 35 watts per satellite and 130 watts in the subwoofer alone! So, if that’s what you’re wondering, sure, you could definitely wake up your neighbours.
How’s that for a powerful statement?
The subwoofer, as you might think, pumps out a tonne of bass. I was concerned that the satellites wouldn’t be able to keep up, but they did so with sharp, clear highs and a well-balanced mid-range.
Right out of the box, the sound was shockingly rich and deep — I think the THX had something to do with that. Additionally, they provided possibly the most three-dimensional experience I’ve experienced with a 2.1 system, bordering on surround sound.
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2. Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker – Close Second
These 2.1 speakers have single-handedly raised the bar for sound quality in a mid-priced computer speaker.
Playing first-person shooters with these babies plugged in and thumping in the background is a must. To say that the experience was immersive is an understatement!
However, the THX certification and the alluring price tag aren’t the only reasons why you should seriously consider purchasing the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1.
The Design :
While their all-black finish may appear to be plain, their components and design are far from it:
The two satellite speakers are 8.5×4.2×5.67 inches in size and feature Klipsch’s exclusive MicroTractrix horns as well as 19-millimeter Poly compression tweeters. I like how they’re propped up on metal stands for added stability.
The 9.5×9.8×10.2-inch side-firing subwoofer and its 6.5-inch long-throw composite cone driver are responsible for the lower frequencies.
While they don’t come with a remote, knobs for adjusting volume and subwoofer levels can be found on the bottom of the right speaker, where they’re easily accessible. You’ll also find a 3.5-millimeter input and a headphone jack there, as well as two useful AUX connection ports.
The Performance :
For those who aren’t familiar with technical jargon, the THX certification signifies that these 2.1 speakers meet the industry’s stringent audio reproduction criteria. You may be confident that the sound they produce is exactly what was intended when it was recorded and mixed. Aside from this seal of approval, these 2.1 speakers have some impressive specs, including a frequency range of 31 Hz to 20 kHz and a total system RMS power of 100 watts.
The sound balance is immediately noticeable, with each note being as clear and smooth as it should be. The highs are sweet but don’t have that piercing quality, the mid-range is rich and warm, and the lower end has a particular smoothness that doesn’t interfere with the other frequencies.
Furthermore, the independent subwoofer volume control is really useful. When you want the bass to be loud and bone-rattling – and when you need something a little more casual – it provides you complete control.
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3. Cyber Acoustics High Power 2.1 Subwoofer Speaker System – Budget Pick
If you’re on a tight speaker budget, you might assume there’s no way you’ll be able to find a 2.1 speaker system with good sound quality, acoustics, and bass output – but you’re incorrect.
That’s why I wanted to include the Cyber Acoustics CA-3810 computer speaker in my list:
This budget-friendly, worth-every-penny alternative will blow your mind, whether you’re a gamer or a movie buff!
The Design :
Two magnetically protected 8.75×3.25×2.5-inch satellite speakers with two two-inch high-efficiency drivers each are included in the three-piece 2.1 speaker system. They have an angled design with aluminium-finished stands and textile grills that may be removed.
The ported, side-firing subwoofer, with a 5.25-inch woofer driver, is the third component.
I also appreciate that they supplied a handy desktop control pod. It’s simple to use but extremely functional, providing you with complete control over the speakers through remote control. And when I say “complete control,” I mean exactly that:
You may use the bass volume control on the side to turn your speakers on and off, examine their current power status on the LED ring, adjust the volume levels, and fine-tune the sound to your preferences.
In addition, the control pod has a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary port as well as a headphone jack for when you want to bring in a different sound source.
The Performance:
A built-in power source powers the system, which has a total RMS rating of 40 watts and an absolute peak output of 80 watts. In addition, the system has a frequency response range of 45 Hz to 20 kHz, which is wide enough to give adequate sound over the entire range.
They do, however, produce a sound that is heavily centred on the mid-range.
On the other hand, they’re more than capable of filling a room with sound. I couldn’t help myself from thinking when I initially turned them on:
How can such a low-cost three-piece speaker system produce so much bass?
Granted, I wouldn’t turn it all the way up because it disrupts the overall sound balance and makes it difficult to hear my own thoughts – but the option is still available.
Pros:
Compact satellites are ideal for desktop applications.
A control pod with controls and two connection ports is included.
Soundproof enough to fill a medium-sized roomCons:
Sound balance can be messed up by bass.
The sound is primarily in the mid-range.4. Edifier S350DB Subwoofer 2.1 Speaker System
It’s difficult to compile a list of the greatest 2.1 speakers without at least one Edifier model. And this time, I’d like to take a moment to introduce you to the Edifier S350DB, which has an unusual speaker system:
Unlike the majority of the other products on this list, which use small satellite speakers, this 2.1 system has two full-featured bookshelf speakers and a powerful subwoofer.
The Design :
It’s refreshing to see 2.1 speakers that maintain the retro-style wood finish’s traditional elegance.
The bookshelf satellite speakers measure 8.75x5x6 inches and have exposed 34-inch titanium dome tweeters as well as mid-range drivers. The major onboard controls — the three knobs for altering volume, bass, and treble levels – are located on the right speaker’s side panel.
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The system also includes a stylish spherical wireless remote control that lets you turn on or off your speakers, switch between different input options, and adjust the volume from a distance.
AUX, RCA, optical, coaxial, and, yes, even Bluetooth are among the input possibilities.
With an 8-inch driver and a bass reflex vent on the side panel, the enormous subwoofer is nothing short of incredible.
The Performance:
I wanted to check if they held up in testing as well as they did on paper, given their versatility and timeless look.
The powerful subwoofer has a frequency range of 40 Hz to 160 Hz with a power output of 70 watts. It produces a strong, thumping bass that you can feel throughout your entire body. On the lower end, there are only a few options that can match its energy.
The bookshelf speakers are responsible for mid-to high-range sound reproduction, with a frequency response range of 160 Hz to 20 kHz, picking up where the subwoofer left off. They produce a sound that fills the room, is balanced, and has remarkable clarity.
I was blown away by the tiered soundstage, and I can confidently recommend it for anything from movies and music to gaming!
5. Harman Kardon SoundSticks III 2.1 Speaker
It’s uncommon that I come across speakers that look like works of art while still providing sound quality that will please even the most discerning audiophiles — it’s always one or the other.
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks III, on the other hand, strikes the combination of high-quality sound and distinctive design – and I’m not just saying that:
These speakers have been accepted into the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York!
The Design :
The first SoundSticks were released at the turn of the millennium, and only minor adjustments have been made to the latest version. Their sleek, futuristic form still includes the translucent polycarbonate casing and gentle LED light.
Why would they mess with something that works in the first place?
Each of the two 10-inch satellite speakers has four full-range one-inch drivers. They’re small enough to fit exactly where you need them, and they can also be slanted to the proper position, allowing you to tailor the sound to your preferences.
The subwoofer has the same transparent enclosure as the main speaker but is significantly larger at 9.2×10.2 inches. It has a six-inch down-firing subwoofer driver and separate volume controls.
Because of the 3.5-millimeter input, this set of speakers offers outstanding interoperability with other audio devices and components, in addition to the inspiring appearance. It also includes a set of touch-sensitive volume controls.
The Performance :
The system’s frequency range is 44 Hz to 20 kHz, and the RMS rating per channel is 10 watts. And, while their frequency range is limited, it has little effect on the overall sound quality.
So, how would I characterise their sound delivery as a whole?
The satellites provide crisp, clear highs and a smooth, precise mid-range, with the subwoofer providing deep lows. Their strength lies in their balance, which is generous and consistent across the board. Even at higher volume levels, the resistance to distortions is beneficial.
The subwoofer, which is driven by a 20-watt amplifier, is responsible for blending everything into a steady, acoustic, and well-balanced sound. That’s why it’s the most popular component of this three-part strategy!
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